Sunday I preached (a rare occurrence for Associate Pastors) on Luke 18:9-14 about being humble. I’m reminded about my own ego back in my college days, during the time when the movie Urban Cowboy was popular. At Christmas my family entertained out-of-state kinfolk who wanted to visit the famous dancehall, Gilley’s. Being the proud Texas born-and-bread hostess, I assured them we could even ride the mechanical bull there. When our large clan arrived at Gilley’s, I led the way in (of course, complete with boots and hat) and after awhile, made our way to the bull. Standing in line with my California cousins, I explained the process of riding the bull. I would of course “show ‘em how it’s done.”
My turn came and I confidently strode over to the bull. I pulled my hat down securely over my brow, put my foot in the stirrup, grasped the saddle horn, and with one athletic swoop, threw my leg up and over. I held tight and looked up at the man at the controls. I told him, “Give me a 6!” (Speeds were 1-10, with 10 being highest), and then nodded I was ready to go. He did nothing and the bull didn’t move. I asked, “Is there a problem?”
“Uh, ma’am”, he said, “… you’re on backwards.” “BACKWARDS?” All my Texas pride and youthful know-it-allness (yep, new word) disappeared as I slid off, turned around, nodded at the man and said, “Make it a 3.” Pride certainly went-eth before my fall.
D.L. Moody once said, “Be humble or you’ll stumble,” which is a reminder to “walk humbly with (our) God” (Micah 6:8).
My turn came and I confidently strode over to the bull. I pulled my hat down securely over my brow, put my foot in the stirrup, grasped the saddle horn, and with one athletic swoop, threw my leg up and over. I held tight and looked up at the man at the controls. I told him, “Give me a 6!” (Speeds were 1-10, with 10 being highest), and then nodded I was ready to go. He did nothing and the bull didn’t move. I asked, “Is there a problem?”
“Uh, ma’am”, he said, “… you’re on backwards.” “BACKWARDS?” All my Texas pride and youthful know-it-allness (yep, new word) disappeared as I slid off, turned around, nodded at the man and said, “Make it a 3.” Pride certainly went-eth before my fall.
D.L. Moody once said, “Be humble or you’ll stumble,” which is a reminder to “walk humbly with (our) God” (Micah 6:8).
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